Philanthropic giving to filmmaking falls into two general categories: documentary film and narrative film. Grants related to film projects may include screen writing, cinematography, production, and sound, among other considerations. Film related grants frequently support individual work rather than group projects; however, funds exist for both depending on the funder. This said, philanthropy for film remains modest, but highly highly competitive. All the profiles below and in the local sections are updated regularly. Only paid subscribers can access this resource (subscribe here.)

Cinereach grants are given to small and independent filmmakers involved in creating socially conscious films. They also administer the Reach Film Fellowship program with support from the Ford Foundation.

The Compton Foundation recently revamped its mission to include support for projects with "transformative leadership and courageous storytelling" and that inspires action toward a "peaceful, just, sustainable future." Their film grants are given to documentaries.

With the motto of “helping stories take flight," the Fledgling Fund's aim is to help smaller films, documentary projects, and "creative media" projects with a social justice angle get off the ground and stay aloft.

Ford’s JustFilms Initiative is enormous. With it comes an enormous amount of competition. If your project has a social justice/human rights angle, you will have a better chance at a Ford grant. JustFilms grants range from $50,000 to $1 million and everywhere in between.

Good Pitch brings documentary filmmakers together with foundations and other partners in a 7-minute, rapid-fire pitch session. Participants then give feedback and decide whether or not to pledge funding and other support.

ITVS is all about documentaries and programs made for cable or public television. However, it does have a Diversity Development fund that offers grants for films on track for widescreen release. ITVS grants tend to range from between $15,000 to $100,000.

The MacArthur Foundation provides the public with "high-quality, professionally produced documentary films, deep and analytical journalism, and well-produced news and public affairs programming." At present, all of its support for filmmaking is offered through partner organizations.

While primarily focused on bringing artistic expression into its region, this funder wants that artistic work to come from all around the world. This includes supporting the travel, accommodations, and appearance fees for filmmakers to share their work with the region.

The San Francisco Film Society offers an array of support to individual filmmakers, screenwriters, and producers through its Filmmaker360 program, including help with project development, residencies, and a number of different grants.

United States Artists gives out as many as 50 unrestricted $50,000 grants directly to artistic creators each year. Support for filmmakers is a significant aspect of this giving. It's a competitive grant.